Cape Town – Eight pupils from Milnerton High School have been suspended on precautionary grounds following a shocking bullying incident captured in a viral video.
The footage shows a 16-year-old pupil being beaten with a belt and hockey stick by fellow learners in a locker room, while others laugh and record the assault.
The victim’s mother expressed her heartbreak: “My son, a Grade 10 student at Milnerton High School, has been subjected to bullying, physical assault, harassment, and emotional abuse by a group of boys, including some members of the school’s Rugby First Team. They should be setting an example, not hurting others.”
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie condemned the attack, urging strict action against those involved while saying he would personally intervene, calling for discipline “tough but with love.”
Meanwhile, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said the school immediately launched an investigation, identified those involved, and suspended the eight pupils pending formal disciplinary hearings.
STATEMENT: Update on Milnerton HS disciplinary process pic.twitter.com/DWrgIkAvXd
— WCEDNews (@WCEDnews) October 22, 2025
“Upon becoming aware of the incident, the school immediately initiated an internal investigation. Learners involved were identified and interviewed as part of this process.
“Following the initial findings, the School Governing Body approved the precautionary suspension of eight learners. This decision was taken to ensure a fair and transparent disciplinary process, while prioritising the safety and well-being of all learners at the school,” Bronagh said.
The school is providing counselling and psychosocial support to affected learners, stressing that the behaviour “does not reflect its values.”
The WCED also appealed to the public to stop sharing the video, citing the trauma and privacy violations it causes, and assured that matric exams would continue in a secure, calm environment despite the incident.
In response to growing outrage, community members organised a peaceful march outside the school demanding justice for the victim and stricter action against bullying. Eyewitnesses reported that the march remained largely calm until police deployed tear gas to disperse a group of youths who attempted to block nearby roads.
A resident attending the march said: “We wanted to show solidarity with the boy and his family. It was meant to be peaceful, but tensions rose and the police used tear gas to clear the streets.”
Tensions flare outside Milnerton High School as community members protest over a video showing a pupil being brutally assaulted. The school governing body approved a precautionary suspension of eight pupils and formal hearings are expected to follow. Tune in to #eNCA, channel… pic.twitter.com/xWOKcweFEV
— eNCA (@eNCA) October 22, 2025
Milnerton police confirmed they are investigating the matter as assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. No arrests have been made yet, but authorities say the investigation is ongoing.
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
